According to the economic study performed by NorthStar, the annual return per dollar of public tax support is $4.06.
More interesting facts from the study:
- Direct spending economic impact in 2006: $326 million (Spending benefits Main Street businesses and jobs)
- The value of Wisconsin Public Library Services: $427 million
- Total jobs related to the economic impact of Wisconsin Public Libraries: 6280 FTE
- Total Economic Impact: $753 million--just over three-quarters of a billion dollars!
According to David J. Ward, founder of NorthStar Economics, Inc, the economic message for public libraries is as follows:
- Public libraries are a good and necessary investment in a rapidly changing economy.
- Public libraries are a consistent source of information and technology. They won't be acquired, closed down or moved off shore.
- With an increasing gap in income levels, public libraries level the information and technology playing field.
To see the full study, visit the DPI website at: http://dpi.state.wi.us/pld/econimpact.html or on the NorthStar Economics, Inc website at: http://www.northstareconomics.com/index.html
